Fujifilm FinePix T400 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS10: A Down-to-Earth Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting the right compact camera is often a balancing act between features, handling, image quality, and budget. Today, I’m diving hands-on into two humble contenders that each come from well-respected brands: the Fujifilm FinePix T400 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS10. These cameras might not headline with pro-grade specs, but they cater to distinct niches within the compact camera world. Over years of field testing compact shooters, I’ll demonstrate what these two bring to the table in real-world use across multiple photography disciplines, and who should consider either as their trusty sidekick.

Let’s get our hands (and sensor tech) dirty.

Meet the Contenders: Size, Style, and Handling

Before diving deeper, here’s a quick snapshot of their physicality and user interface.

Fujifilm T400 is a small sensor compact geared toward casual versatility. Its fixed 28-280mm equivalent zoom lens packs a respectable 10x range, and its body measures roughly 104x59x29 mm, weighing in at a lean 159 grams. The design is minimalist yet comfortable for most hand sizes, albeit without a textured grip, which anyone with sweaty palms might notice.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic TS10 - also known as the DMC-FT10 - sports a more rugged, waterproof-friendly body, designed to endure outdoor shenanigans. Slightly smaller and chunkier at 99x63x24 mm and 188 grams, this compact sacrifices oversized zoom reach (35-140mm) for durability. I found its raided grip zones a win for secure holding under slippery or wet conditions.

When placed side by side, the Fujifilm’s longer lens barrel stands out, while the Panasonic’s streamlined casing hints at its underwater aspirations.

Design Details and Control Layout: Where Your Fingers Meet Technology

Getting the best shots is easier if controls are logical and well-placed. Let’s peek from above.

The Fujifilm T400 keeps it simple: a dedicated zoom toggle, shutter button, and a mode dial that’s limited by the camera’s automatic or scene modes - no manual exposure here. This limits artistic control but keeps things beginner-friendly.

The Panasonic TS10 has a straightforward top plate too, but I appreciated the cluster of dedicated buttons around the back (though small by today’s standards), enabling quicker settings toggling even in gloves. Being waterproof, simplicity trumps complexity here often.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, so composing on the rear LCD is a must - more on that in a moment. Button feedback felt a bit “cheaper” on both, but not unserviceable for the price point.

Sensor and Imaging: Not All Pixels Are Equal

Both cameras use 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors - the typical choice for budget compacts. What that means for you is predictable but important nuances in habit.

Technical Insights:

• Fujifilm T400 packs 16 megapixels on a 6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor. The effective pixel area and pixel pitch are relatively small, which makes noise control challenging at higher ISOs.
• Panasonic TS10 offers 14 megapixels on a similar sensor size (6.08 x 4.56 mm). It's slightly lower resolution, but the difference is negligible in practical shooting.

What CCD sensors typically shine at is color rendition and natural tones at base ISOs, but with less dynamic range and higher noise compared to modern CMOS sensors, especially when you push ISO beyond native 1600 (Fujifilm) or 6400 (Panasonic) equivalents.

Real-World Take:

Through field testing, the T400 produced somewhat crisp images with pleasing colors in good light but noticeably threw more noise and softness under dimmer conditions. The TS10, with its Venus Engine IV processor, manages noise reduction a little better but still suffers softness when zoomed in.

Neither camera supports RAW, so your post-processing options are limited; you'll be relying on their JPEG engines.

The Screens That Frame Your World

Because both cameras rely fully on LCDs, the quality and usability of their rear screens are crucial.

The Fujifilm T400 features a 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230k pixels. Decent for 2012, but today it's a bit cramped and lacks brightness for bright sunlight.

The Panasonic TS10 offers an almost identical screen size and resolution. No touchscreen capability on either.

In my practical use, visibility in sunlight was a struggle for both, and I often found myself blindly shooting or seeking shade. Neither camera includes an external viewfinder option, which is a shame for outdoor enthusiasts.

Capturing the Moment: Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Camera specs read differently when you’re chasing action or squeezing extra detail in a macro shot.

• Autofocus System:

  • Fujifilm T400: CCD contrast-detection autofocus with face detection. Lacks phase detection points. AF is a bit cautious, as typical in budget compacts: slow to lock and occasionally hunts in low light.

  • Panasonic TS10: Also contrast-detection with 9 AF points and multi-area options but no face detection. Focus speed is marginally quicker, especially in daylight. No continuous AF for moving subjects, so expect focus to drop off in action sequences.

• Continuous Shooting Speed:

  • The T400 lags with 1 fps continuous shooting - fine for casual snapshots but nowhere near sports grade.

  • The TS10 offers a slightly better 2 fps burst, still very limited for fast action.

So, neither camera is built for speedy wildlife or sports photography, but the Panasonic’s focus system might provide faster lock-on in daylight.

Versatility in Photography Genres

Here’s where enthusiasm meets real-world priorities. I’ve tested and evaluated both cameras across various photography disciplines. Let’s unpack how they stack up at the grassroots level.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone reproduction and eye detection are key.

• Fujifilm T400: Features basic face detection autofocus with center-weighted metering, which helps keep facial skin tones warm and natural, thanks to traditional CCD color science. The 10x zoom lens produces somewhat shallow bokeh at telephoto (~280mm equivalency) but the narrow aperture (f/5.6) limits background blur - so no creamy portraits, sadly.

• Panasonic TS10: No face detection, and with a shorter zoom range (35-140mm equivalency), you get less reach but usable portraits up close. Skin tone reproduction felt a little cooler and less flattering. Bokeh is minimal given aperture and zoom constraints.

Winner: Fujifilm T400, thanks to face detection and warmer color output.

Landscape Photography

Here, resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing matter most.

• Both cameras share similar limited dynamic range - low for landscape extremes like bright skies and deep shadows. The CCD sensors don't capture the nuanced tonal gradations modern CMOS sensors do.

• The T400’s wider zoom range helps framing wide vistas at 28mm but this comes with barrel distortion and softness in corners at the widest end.

• The TS10 lacks weather-sealing for such an environment? Actually, it is weather sealed and waterproof - rated for dust, waterproofing, shock resistance, and freezeproof down to -10C. This ruggedness makes it an appealing rugged companion for rough trail photography.

Winner: Panasonic TS10 for outdoor durability; Fujifilm T400 for better framing flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

This category usually demands autofocus speed, telephoto reach, and burst capabilities.

• Fujifilm T400’s 10x zoom is a good start but slow AF and 1 fps burst kill chances at catching decisive moments.

• Panasonic TS10 has a lower zoom (4x) and no continuous AF but a slightly better 2 fps burst speed.

Neither camera truly fits the bill for serious wildlife, but if you want a weatherproof pocket camera for casual critter snaps, Panasonic edges out with its physical toughness.

Sports Photography

Tracking fast subjects and working under low light.

• Continuous shooting, tracking autofocus, and high ISO performance are critical.

• Both cameras fall short: 1-2 fps bursts are laughable for action; autofocus is slow; max ISO underperforms.

If your goal is any kind of serious sports photography, look elsewhere. These cameras are better suited for occasional use or as backups.

Street Photography

Portability, low-light usability, and discretion define a good street shooter.

• Fujifilm T400 is slimmer but longer lens barrel could attract attention.

• Panasonic TS10 is chunkier but better sealed against the elements, which could be important for unpredictable environments.

Neither camera excels in low light: images get noisy and autofocus sluggish. No silent shutter, so shush factor is low.

If you want a waterproof camera in the street, Panasonic is your bet. For more inconspicuous shooting, Fujifilm edges slightly.

Macro Photography

Close focusing is niche but fun.

• Fujifilm T400 allows macro shooting from as close as 5 cm, a plus for flower or insect fans.

• Panasonic TS10 starts macro focusing around 10 cm, less ideal for very close work.

Both cameras stabilize images using different techniques - sensor shift (Fujifilm) vs optical stabilization (Panasonic). This helps keep handheld macro shots steady.

Night and Astrophotography

Without manual exposure modes or RAW files, night shooting is a challenge.

• ISO performance is limited (max native ISO 1600 and 6400 respectively, but noise rises quickly).

• Neither has exposure bracketing or bulb mode, so astrophotography is virtually impossible.

Amateur evening snaps are doable but expect grainy results.

Video Capabilities

• Fujifilm T400: Records HD (1280 x 720) at 30fps in H.264 and Motion JPEG.

• Panasonic TS10: Similar 720p at 30fps but no H.264, only Motion JPEG - means larger file sizes and less efficient compression.

Neither have external mic jacks, image stabilization during video, or 4K features (not available in 2012 anyway).

Panasonic’s ruggedness makes it the better choice for underwater or adventure clips.

Travel Photography

Key factors: size, versatility, battery life.

• Fujifilm T400 is lighter (159g), has longer zoom, but lacks weather sealing.

• Panasonic TS10 is heavier (188g) but rugged, perfect for poolside or beach travel.

Battery life is modest on both (Fujifilm rated ~180 shots), so carrying spares is a must.

Professional Work & Workflow Integration

Neither camera supports RAW or advanced tethering, so they’re inappropriate as primary pro shooters.

Their JPEGs may serve well as backups or quick share devices, but overall work reliability and file flexibility fall short by professional standards.

Build Quality and Durability: Can They Take the Pressure?

The Panasonic TS10’s rugged design is a standout for enthusiasts who don’t want to baby their gear. Waterproof, freeze-proof, shock-resistant, and dustproof, this camera can travel anywhere with confidence.

The Fujifilm T400, by contrast, offers no environmental sealing, so it requires more care in demanding conditions.

Connectivity and Storage

Both cameras rely exclusively on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (both have single slots). Fujifilm’s camera uses none for wireless connectivity, same with Panasonic - no Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth.

USB 2.0 is standard for image transfer.

Battery Life, Ergonomics, and Practical Usage

Battery life is middling and sometimes shorter than claimed depending on usage style and LCD brightness settings.

Ergonomics, judging by extensive in-hand tests, favor Panasonic slightly for grip security, especially in damp or snowy conditions.

However, Fujifilm’s longer zoom and lighter weight make it easier to carry all day.

Who’s Using These? Recommendations Based on Your Needs

To sum up what this all means for different user types, let’s put together some straightforward advice.

Wrapping Up With the Scores

For easier digest, here are consolidated performance ratings I culled from my testing and comparative benchmarks.

And for a genre-specific breakdown:

Sample Images Gallery – See For Yourself

I always recommend inspecting image quality yourself, so here’s a curated gallery of sample photos from both cameras across varied lighting and scenarios.

Fujifilm T400 front Fujifilm T400 screen back Panasonic TS10 front Panasonic TS10 screen back

The Final Verdict: Which Compact Should You Pick?

If you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast seeking a versatile pocket camera for everyday use with the occasional portrait or travel shot - and you shoot mostly in well-lit scenarios - the Fujifilm FinePix T400 with its longer zoom, nicer color science, and weight advantage is likely a better fit. It feels like a good travel companion on city tours or family outings, as long as you keep it dry.

If your adventures take you off the beaten path, requiring a rugged, weatherproof camera that won’t mind a splash, a drop, or a chill - and still offers decent image quality and quicker autofocus in daylight - then the Panasonic Lumix TS10 is worth the price hike for peace of mind. Its build resilience makes it the go-to for travel to lakesides, skiing, or beach days.

Just don’t expect either to replace a mid-range mirrorless or DSLR for high-speed action or professional work. These are budget compacts designed to get casual shooters snapping with minimal fuss.

Pros and Cons Summary

Final Notes From a Hands-On Expert

I’ve tested thousands of cameras, and it’s easy to overlook how some modest compacts still represent an excellent bang for your buck - especially when chosen for the right mission profile.

If you’re a beginner or cheapskate who wants simple point-and-shoot shooting without the fuss, the Fujifilm T400 hits the basics better. If your lifestyle means you’d rather have your camera survive a tumble in the snow or a plunge in the pool, the Panasonic TS10 is your rugged BFF.

Both cameras are a study in compromises typical for their category and vintage, but understanding what they do well helps you pick your photographic partner wisely.

Good luck - and happy shooting!